News from May 2024
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
WASHINGTON (May 1, 2024) — Today, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) introduced a new process to allow consumers to request a reappraisal of their property valuations. This initiative aims to provide consumers with a platform to challenge appraisal values when purchasing a home or refinancing a mortgage."We applaud HUD and the GSEs for establishing this process so consumers can more readily obtain a second look at appraisals when they disagree with them," stated Bryan Greene, NAR's vice president of policy...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated, "Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security, including from Iranian threats and attacks."According to the same source, Secretary Blinken and Chairman Lapid discussed efforts to secure the safe return of hostages and to increase life-saving humanitarian assistance to Gaza.In the call, Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to advance regional peace and security.
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers has disclosed the most popular type of home remodeling projects as part of the celebration of National Home Remodeling Month in May. According to survey results released by the NAHB Remodelers, bathroom and kitchen remodels are the top choices among its members.NAHB Remodelers Chair Mike Pressgrove, a remodeler from Topeka, Kan., emphasized the commitment to professionalism in assisting homeowners in achieving their dream homes. Pressgrove stated, “Whatever type of home improvement project consumers are looking...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6285, a House Committee on Natural Resources bill that will support energy resource development in Alaska. House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) expressed his support for the bill by stating, "As President Biden continues to wage war on domestic energy production, House Republicans are fighting back with solutions to unleash our abundant natural resources. With this bipartisan bill, we’re reversing Biden's disastrous rule that would limit energy production in Alaska and putting Alaskan...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Southwest Airlines is now obligated to provide passengers with a transferable voucher worth at least $75 if their flight is canceled or delayed for three or more hours beyond the scheduled arrival time, as per the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This compensation initiative comes in response to the DOT's enforcement action following the stranding of millions of passengers during the 2022 holiday season by the airline.
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Commissioner Summer K. Mersinger will participate in a fireside chat at the Environmental Markets Conference. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, 2024, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. (EDT) at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.The announcement of Commissioner Mersinger's participation at the conference was made without further details on the topics that will be discussed during the fireside chat.The Environmental Markets Conference is a significant event that brings together key stakeholders and experts in...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
(Deyang, Sichuan Province – May 1, 2024) Elder Hao Ming of Deyang Qingcaodi Reformed Church has taken a stand against the recent court ruling that found him guilty of fraud. In a "declaration of disappearance" posted on Weibo, Elder Hao Ming expressed his disagreement with the verdict imposed by the Jingyang District Court of Deyang City, alongside Elder Wu Jiannan, asserting that faith should not be considered a crime.The content of the declaration shed light on the circumstances leading to the court's decision, particularly concerning the financial support provided to...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Secretary Antony J. Blinken recently engaged in a conversation with Andrea Mitchell of NBC, addressing various aspects of the Israeli-Hamas conflict and aid delivery in the region. When discussing the possibility of a hostage deal and ceasefire, Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of focusing on the hostages and the willingness of the Israeli Government to make compromises for a deal. He stated, "We’re focused on the hostages, and I believe the Israeli Government is as well. And that’s, I think, evident from the fact that the proposal, the most recent proposal they...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
NVIDIA has announced plans to hold a conference call on Wednesday, May 22, at 2 p.m. PT (5 p.m. ET) to delve into the financial outcomes of the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, which concluded on April 28, 2024.The call, as reported, will be a crucial event for financial analysts and institutional investors as it aims to shed light on NVIDIA's financial performance. According to the company, the call will be webcast live on investor.nvidia.com, with the opportunity for participants to listen in a listen-only mode. In preparation for the call, NVIDIA's CFO, Colette...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
On May 1, 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the approval of a $6.1 billion group student loan discharge for 317,000 borrowers who attended The Art Institutes. This action brings the total approved debt cancellation under the Biden Administration to nearly $160 billion for almost 4.6 million borrowers.U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona expressed, "For more than a decade, hundreds of thousands of hopeful students borrowed billions to attend The Art Institutes and got little but lies in return. That ends today—thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration's...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The EPA Administrator, Michael S. Regan, emphasized the importance of Asthma Awareness Month, stating, “Asthma is a public health issue, an economic issue, and an environmental issue that impacts the entire country, especially low-income and minority communities.” Regan highlighted the agency's commitment to reducing harmful pollution and raising awareness to help communities manage asthma and improve health.Asthma affects over 25 million Americans, including four million children, and has significant economic implications totaling more than $80 billion annually in direct...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved its first Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) TIFIA loan for the Mt. Vernon Library Commons Project in Washington state. The project, with a loan of up to $26.8 million, is set to provide various amenities for the community and promote sustainable practices.U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Having a library, public restrooms, a community center, and a kitchen all under one roof—and only steps away from Skagit station—will be a major benefit for the people...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The Department of Labor has successfully recovered $538K in back wages and damages from a Maryland residential rehabilitation provider, Divine Connect Care Inc., for 37 landscaping workers who were denied full pay. The investigation revealed that the employer failed to pay non-exempt direct support staff the required overtime premium for hours worked over 40 in a week, as well as failed to pay one employee for all hours worked.John L. DuMont, the Wage and Hour Division District Director in Pittsburgh, expressed, “Our investigators found Divine Connect Care failed to pay...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The Department of Labor has announced that the Advisory Board on Toxic Substances and Worker Health for Part E of the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act will be convening on May 8-9, 2024, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The meetings, which are focused on providing compensation and medical benefits to nuclear weapons workers affected by exposure to toxic substances, will be open to the public.According to the announcement, the 12-member advisory board, including members from scientific, medical, and claimant communities, is appointed by the Secretary...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Antitrust Division, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have announced an extension of the deadline for public comments on a tri-agency Request for Information (RFI) regarding the impact of corporate greed in health care. The new deadline for submissions is now June 5, 2024.According to the announcement, the cross-government inquiry aims to delve into how certain health care market transactions could lead to increased consolidation and profits for corporations while potentially...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Washington, D.C. — Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Rostin Behnam has appointed Dr. Ted Kaouk as the agency's inaugural Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. Dr. Kaouk, who currently holds the position of Chief Data Officer and Director of the Division of Data at the CFTC, will now take on the role of Chief Data & Artificial Intelligence Officer.In response to the appointment, Chairman Behnam highlighted the significance of leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence to enhance the CFTC's capabilities in overseeing and enforcing regulations in the...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III engaged in discussions with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant regarding crucial matters on May 1, 2024. Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder outlined the key points of the conversation, which focused on the ongoing hostage negotiations, humanitarian assistance efforts, and the situation in Rafah.During the call, Secretary Austin reaffirmed his dedication to the safe return of all hostages and emphasized the necessity of ramping up humanitarian aid to Gaza. Ryder noted, "Secretary Austin reaffirmed his commitment to...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
May 1, 2024Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the significance of international trade in fostering economic growth and resilience, as the Biden-Harris Administration marked the commencement of World Trade Month.“International trade is essential to our nation’s economic growth and helps Americans build more resilient businesses and communities,” said Secretary Raimondo.During the month-long celebration of World Trade Month, the Commerce Department is set to underscore and reinforce the administration's dedication to enhancing economic...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
A federal jury in New Haven, Connecticut, has convicted Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji, a Nigerian national, for orchestrating a business email compromise scheme that operated across multiple countries, including the United States. The scheme, which involved targeting individuals and businesses by posing as trustworthy entities in electronic communications, resulted in losses and intended losses totaling over $6.3 million.Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division stated, "Osuji led a network of scammers in...
By Federal Newswire | May 1, 2024
May marks Asthma Awareness Month, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is using this opportunity to highlight programs across the nation that are providing exceptional asthma care. It is estimated that 25 million Americans, including four million children, live with this condition.
